A girl walks into a bar…
“We met on a Saturday,” Donnesha recalls, smiling. “As I walked up to the wine bar, DeMarcus was walking up as well and he said, ‘You are short.’ We both started laughing because it was accurate. I’m 4’11 and he is 6’3.”
Looking handsome in a red and black striped shirt with black pants, Donnesha was intrigued by this mystery man. DeMarcus was equally smitten by Donnesha who was equal parts sophisticated and sexy in her black jumpsuit. He took the moment to introduce himself and they sat at the bar together. They talked for two hours!
“We were really interested in each other’s lives,” Donnesha shares. “We were both professionals, family-oriented, single, and highly ambitious. It was a breath of fresh air to have a genuine conversation with someone without them trying to impress you or make their own life seem better than it actually was.”
Their genuine connection gradually blossomed into love, and on their one-year anniversary, DeMarcus surprised Donnesha by proposing to her at the wine bar where they first met. The couple marked the official beginning of their lives together in an elegant southern wedding with 200 guests in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They couldn’t imagine a more magical day!
Check out their feature in MunaLuchi Bridal Magazine, Issue 29, here! View more sweet details from their wedding below.
- Couple: Donnesha Clayton & DeMarcus Riley
- Occupations: Donnesha is a Physician & DeMarcus is a Project Manager
- Wedding date: November 12, 2022
- Wedding location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Photographer: Marquez Fotos
Quick Facts From The Bride:
- Bridesmaids’ Gifts: Jewelry, purses, champagne flutes, and robes.
- Groomsmen Gifts: Lapel pins, watches. socks and cocktail glasses.
- Gifts for one another: A watch and pearl set.
- Groom’s entrance song: An instrumental version of “Tom Ford” played by the violinist.
- Bride’s entrance song: “You and I (Nobody in the World)” by John Legend.
- First dance song: “U Move, I Move” by John Legend
How did you meet?
We met at a restaurant/wine bar.
Tell us about the proposal:
One year later, we returned to the wine bar where we met to celebrate our anniversary and he proposed.
Describe your wedding attire
I wore a custom wedding dress by Ese Azenabor and my husband wore a tailor-made tuxedo by Fellow Menswear.
Mr. & Mrs…
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
I chose a custom gown by Ese Azenabor, so it was effortless.
Sweet details…
Officially the Rileys!
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Our first look was so special. Just us by ourselves and peace before the huge party.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Expect the unexpected on your wedding day and DO NOT let it get you down. You are only doing this once and it will still be magical.
Looking for more traditional weddings like this one at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Coordinator: Occasions by Audi Brown
- Photographer: Marquez Fotos
- Wedding Venue: Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
- Reception Venue & Catering: Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
- Cake: Nina Bakes Cakes
- Florist & Decor: Floraeventi
- Dress: Ese Azenabor
- Tuxedo: Fellow Menswear
- Hair: Hair by Priss
- Makeup: ATPMUA
- Videography: Studio87 Visuals
- Fireworks: Pyromania Fireworks, LLC
- Bride’s headpiece and/or veil: Ese Azenabor
- Bridesmaids dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
- Groomsmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse
- Entertainment: Universal Language Band/ Dj Neff
- Lighting & Linens: Element
- Rentals: Mélange Event Rentêrie
- Stationery: Isabella Invitations
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